ACTIVE York, the city’s sport and active leisure partnership, is recruiting new members to its board to encourage the people of York to be more active more often.

The board is made up of representatives from the higher education, further education, health, professional sports, school sport, voluntary and third sectors, and City of York Council.

Active York looks to make the people of York aware of the health benefits of physical activity and ensure coaching and development opportunities exist for people in the city.

The partnership also aims to support the sport and active leisure infrastructure in York to maintain high quality facilities and strong sports clubs, as well as promoting the role that sport and active leisure can play in developing safer, stronger and more culturally-rich communities.

Active York reintroduced a sports award programme for the city earlier this year.

The Active York Sports Awards, which will be taking place again in 2015, recognised the achievements and contributions of athletes and coaches in York at an awards ceremony and dinner supported by benenden health.

As part of Active York’s commitment to supporting the city’s talented athletes it is continuing to provide financial grants through its Fund For The Gifted scheme.

The scheme, which is also part of benenden health’s partnership with Active York, can support athletes by providing assistance with equipment, travel costs, sport injury and rehabilitation.

One recent recipient is 14-year-old Alice Linaker. The Huntington School pupil is a member of City of York Athletic Club, competing in 75 metres hurdles and long jump.

She recently won gold and bronze in hurdles and long jump respectively at the Yorkshire Championships, and the £150 grant she received from Fund For The Gifted will go towards equipment as well as travel costs.

Keith Morris, acting chair of Active York, said: “Being part of Active York highlights the wealth and breadth of sporting talent and opportunities in York.

"The continuing success of the Fund For The Gifted scheme and this year’s Active York Sports Awards demonstrate the prominence, potential and importance sport has, and should continue to have, in the city.”

If you would like to help promote sport in York and help realise the sporting opportunities available within the city by being part of Active York please email jo.gilliland@york.gov.uk to express your interest.